One-way clutch



B. A. FULTON ONE-WAY CLUTCH April 28, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 20. 1954' B. A. FULTON ONE-WAY CLUTCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 b lllll ||l| kW April 28, 1959 Filed Dec 20 1954 United States Patent ONE-WAY CLUTCH Bertram A. Fulton, Glen Ellyn, lll., assignor to Borg- Warner Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application December 20, 1954, Serial No. 476,186

19 Claims. (Cl. 19245.1)

This invention relates to one-way engaging devices of the sprag type, and more particularly to one-way engaging devices of the sprag type in which means are provided for effecting common angular movement of all of the sprags throughout the working range of the device.

It has been found that one-way engaging devices of the sprag type are useful in applications having rapid, substantial changes of torque or other severe operating conditions only when each and every one of the sprags is forced to move, or tilt, angularly with all of the other sprags. This common angular movement results in each of the sprags assuming its load at the same time that the other sprags assume their respective loads, the load furthermore being distributed substantially equally between all of the sprags employed. In addition, each of the sprags will also release its load at the same time that every other sprag does so. Constructions for accomplishing this have been known heretofore; for example, certain constructions for accomplishing these changes are illustrated in the copending application of Harry P. Troendly et al., Serial No. 379,534, filed September 11, 1953, now Patent No. 2,824,636, dated February .25, 1958 entitled One-way Clutch. It has been found in certain applications, however, that common angular movement of all of the sprags may be accomplished without the use of cages enclosing the sprags.

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide an improved one-way engaging device of the sprag type in which all of the sprags will be forced to be moved angularly together in which no cages are employed.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an improved one-way engaging device of the sprag type in which all of the sprags are forced to move angularly together which is more economical than previous structures.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an improved device in accordance with the preceding object in which race-engaging surfaces of the sprags are provided with openings, energizing means for the sprags extending through the openings.

Another object is the provision of an improved device in which both race-engaging surfaces of each sprag are slotted and in which an annular member passes through one of the sprag openings and an energizing spring extends through the other sprag opening, the annular member and spring carrying segments which operate with adjacent portions of the sprags to accom plish common angular movement of the sprags.

Another object is the provision of an improved oneway engaging device of the sprag type in which a plurality of sprags are disposed circumferentially between the race surfaces, openings being provided in both the raceengaging surfaces of the sprags, the device including a ring extending through one of the openings and a sprag energizing means extending through the other opening, phasing segments being carried by portions of the ring 2,884,102 Patented Apr. 28, 1959 and other phasing segments being slidably mounted on those phasing segments carried by the ring.

Another object is the provision of an improved oneway engaging device having a plurality of circumferentially spaced sprags formed with openings at their radially spaced race engaging ends, sprag energizing means extending through one of the openings and carrying phasing segments disposed between the sprags, a ring extending through the other sprag opening and integrally forming phasing portions also disposed between adjacent sprags.

Another object is the provision of a one-way engaging device of an improved construction comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced sprags between a pair of races, and also including a plurality of radially spaced phasing segments two of which are disposed between each adjacent pair of sprags and which are connected together by resilient means.

Other objects and features of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art from the specification and appended drawings illustrating certain preferred embodiments in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation, partially broken away, of a pair of races between which is disposed a one-way engaging device incorporating the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the one-way engaging device and associated races shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the sprags in a different, moved position;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figures 2 and 3 with the sprags in another ditferent, moved position;

Figure 5 is a sectional view along the plane of line V-V in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 of a modified construction;

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail view of a modified form of one-way engaging device incorporating the principles of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a sectional view along plane of line VIII VIII of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail view of another modified form of one-Way engaging device incorporating the principles of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 showing the sprags in a moved, different position;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figures 9 and 10 showing the sprags in another different, moved position;

Figure 12 is a sectional view along the plane of line XII-XII of Figure 10.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals in the different figures identify identical parts and with reference to the first embodiment of the invention disclosed particularly in Figures 2 through 5, there is illustrated an inner race 1 having an annular surface 2, and an outer race 3 having an annular surface 4, the surfaces 2 and 4 being radially spaced and defining a generally annular opening therebetween. Disposed within this opening in circumferentially spaced relation are a plurality of sprags 5.

Each of the sprags 5 comprises axially spaced, generally fiat sides 6 and 7 and radially spaced, race-engaging end surfaces 8 and The surfaces 8 and 9 are curved about spaced centers disposed within the body of the sprag, whereupon the radial dimension of the sprag will increase as the sprag is tilted from the position illustrated in Figure 2 to the position illustrated in Figure 4 and will decrease as the sprag is tilted from the Figure 4 position to the Figure 2 position. 1

Each of the sprags 5 is provided with an upper opening 3 13, parallel to the sides 6 and 7, and a bottom 14. Each of the sprags 5 is further provided with a lower slot or opening which is defined by axially spaced sides 16 and 17, also parallel to the sides 6 and 7, and a bottom 18.

Extending through the slots 11 is a spring 19 which is bent into circular form and which has its ends joined together by suitable means. As may be seen from a consideration of Figure 2-which illustrates the sprags in their released condition-the spring 19 engages the bottoms 14 of the slots 11 when the sprags are in their released position and biases them toward the position in which they wedgingly connect the races. Disposed between each adjacent pair of sprags, and carried by the spring 19 so as to be slidable relative thereto, is a phasing segment or sleeve 21, constructed and operating in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. Extending through each of the slots 15 is a rigid annular ring 22 which, as is illustrated in Figure 5, is generally T-shaped in cross-section, the ring 22 being of greater diameter than the race 1 so as to be spaced therefrom. Between each adjacent pair of sprags, and slidably mounted upon the ring 22 (as shown in Figure 5) is a spacing and phasing segment or sleeve 23, which is rectangular in cross-section and comprises integral arms 23 which extend under the head portion of the T-shaped ring 22.

Each of the sleeves 21 is formed with circumferentially spaced phasing surfaces 24 and 25 formed such that when the sleeves 21 are positioned upon the spring 19, the sides 24 and 25--When the spring 19' is not defiectedwill be substantially parallel to a plane drawn through the center of rotation of. the races and bisecting the space between said surfaces. Similarly, each of the sleeves 23 is formed with circumferentially spaced surfaces 26 and 27 which are, when in position on ring 22, substantially parallel to a plane drawn through the center of rotation of the races and bisecting the space between said surfaces.

Each of the sprags, along the left circumferentially facing side thereof, as viewed in Figures 2 through 4, is provided with a pair of flat, outer surfaces 28 and 29 lying in the same plane and a pair of inwardly inclined converging surfaces 31 and 32, the intersection between surfaces 29 and 32 defining a protuberance 29. The surfaces 28 and 31 converge to form a bearing protuberance or' fulcrum 33, the surfaces 28 and 31 subtending an obtuse angle of the order of 155 -165 The opposite circumferentially facing side of each of the sprags comprises a center portion 34, substantially parallel to the surfaces 28 and 29 on the opposite side of the sprag; a surface 35 extends outwardly from the surface 34 and merges with the race engaging surface 8 by means of a rounded surface or protuberance 35a. A surface 36 extends outwardly from the surface 34 and merges with a surface 37 by means of a rounded protuberance 38, the surfaces 36 and 37 subtending an obtuse angle of the order of 130 to 150. The surface 37 merges, at its upper end, with the race engaging surface 9. The foregoing angular relationships are, of course, merely illustrations of the construction of one particularly sized sprag.

As previously indicated, Figure 2 illustrates the released position of the sprags which each of these sprags assumes when the races 1 and 3 rotate in the relative direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 2. In this condition, the spring 19 engages the bottoms 14 of the slots 11 and biases the sprags in a counterclockwise direction. When the relative direction of the races is opposite to that indicated by the arrows in Figure 2, the sprags will initially move in the direction of bias of the spring 19, from the position illustrated in Figure 2 to that position illustrated in Figure 3 in which the sprags have begun to carry load and wedgingly engage the races 1 and 3. The sprags will then move to the position illustrated in Figure 4 in which they present their maximum radial. dimension between the races so as to wedgingly engage therebetween so that the races are solidly locked together for unitary rotation.

When the relative direction of rotation of the races again changes, so that the races are moving in the relative direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 2, the sprags will initially move from the position illustrated in Figure 4 to that position illustrated in Figure 3, and subsequently to the released position illustrated in Figure 2.

It should be noted that as the sprags are moved from their released position. of Figure 2 to the locked position of Figure 4 and vice versa, the bottoms 18 and sides 16 and 17 of the slots 15 do not so engage the ring 22 that this tilting movement is prevented or disturbed. It is particularly important also to note that the configuration of the circumferentially facing sides of the sprags is such, and the dimensions and configuration of the sleeves 21 and 23 are such, that the effective peripheral dimension of the sprags disposed between the sleeve porticns is substantially constant irrespective of the angle of tilt of the sprags, and that there is only a bearing clearance between the sides of the sprags and the adjacent sleeve sides regardless of the position of tilt of the sprags within their normal operating range. As a result, there is a continuous, phasing bearing relation of the sprags with the surfaces 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the sleeves regardless of the degree of tilt of the sprags, and all of the sprags will be compelled to operate in unison angularly with each other so that they each occupy the same position of engagement with the races. In other words, all of the sprags are forced to stay in phase with each other so that at any instant all of the sprags are forced to assume the same relative degree of tilt. 7

Turning now to a consideration of Figure 6, there is shown therein a modified. construction of the spacing and phasing segments or sleeves. Figure 6 is a sectional view illustrating the sprags 5 positioned between the races 1 and. 3, the spring. 1.9 extending through the slots 11 in the sprags and the ring 22 extending through the slots 15 in the sprags. Slidably mounted upon the ring 22 are a plurality of spacing and phasing segments or sleeves 3% each of which is disposedv between an adjacent pair of sprags; each sleeve 39 is generally U-shaped in crosssection and comprises the lower, axially extending arms 41 and 42 engaging the T-shaped ring 22 beneath the head portion thereof, and an upper, axially extending portion 43 of sleeve 39 resting upon the upper surface of the ring 22. Each sleeve 39 further comprises upperwardly facing ledges 44 and 45 which extend axially and bridge the radially extending legs of the sleeve 39. In engagement with the ledges 44 and 45 of each sleeve 39 is another spacing and phasing segment or sleeve 46, which has lower portions 47 and 48 respectively in engagement with the ledges 44- and 45. Each sleeve 46 is further pro: vided with parallel, axially extending parts 49 and 51, and the spacing between parts 49 and 51 is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the spring 19. The sleeves 39 and 46 are respectively provided with circumferentially facing surfaces comparable to, but larger than, surfaces 26, 27 and 24, 25 on sleeves 23 and 21, and the sleeves 39 and 46 are further dimensioned circumferentially similarly to the sleeves 21 and 23 previously described whereupon the sprags 5 are forced to move angularly in unison throughout the working range of the device. The ring 22 does not interfere, of course, with the tilting movement of the sprags.

In assembling the structures illustrated in the above described figures, the sleeves 23 (or 39) are initially assembled on the ring 22-provided with a suitable opening subsequently closed when ring 22 is bent into its exactly annular formwith the desired spacing between adjacent sleeves. The sprags 5 are then assembled on the ring 22, one sprag being between each adjacent pair of sleeves carried by that ring. The sleeves 21 (or 46 are then threaded upon the spring 19 with the desired spacing therebetween, the ends of the spring 19 then.

being suitably joined together so that the spring 19 is in annular form. This preassembled spring-sleeves subassembly is then positioned with the sprags 5 so that the sleeves carried by the spring are between each adjacent sprags as illustrated.

In Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a modified form of a one-way engaging device incorporating the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates sprags 5 positioned between the races 1 and 3 as previously described. Through the slots 11 in the upper portion of the sprags 5 extends the biasing spring 19 which carries the sleeves 21, as discussed with regard to Figures 2 through 5. Positioned adjacent the inner race 1, however, there is an annular ring 52 which comprises a pair of axially spaced portions 53 and 54. As illustrated best in Figure 8, the portions 53 and 54 respectively comprise a plurality of axially and circumferentially extending legs whereby each of the portions 53 and 54 define a series of connected U- shapes. If desired, the portions 53 and 54 may have their circumferentially extending legs fixed together by suitable means such as welding. As illustrated in Figure 8, the circumferentially extending legs of portions 53 and 54 extend through the slots 15 in the sprags 5 but do not interfere with the tilting thereof, while the axially extending legs of the portions 53 and 54 form spacing and phasing segments comparable to the sleeves 23 previously described. As illustrated in Figure 8, these axially'extending legs of the portions 53 and 54 are positioned between each adjacent pair of sprags and are constructed and arranged comparable to the sleeves 23 so as to have surfaces 26 and 27 thereon substantially the same as surfaces 26 and 27 of sleeves 23, except for a size difference. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that with the construction illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 when any one sprag tilts, the sleeves 21 and the axially extending legs of the portions 53 and 54 force all of the other sprags to tilt substantially the same amount so that all of the sprags will, throughout the operating range of the device, assume a common relative angular position. It will further be obvious that, if desired, either the portion 53 or the portion 54 could be omitted, in which case the surfaces 26 and 27 on the remaining portion would still serve to force common angular movement of the sprags but in which case the entire axial extent of the lower portion of the sprags 5 would not be engaged by the surfaces 26 and 27 Referring now to the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 9 through 12, there are illustrated therein the races 1 and 3. Between these races are positioned a plurality of sprags 5 which are exactly the same as the sprags 5 except for the fact that the sprags 5 are not provided with the openings 11. EX- tending through the openings 15 in the sprags 5 is the ring 22. Slidably mounted upon the ring 22 are a plurality of spacing and phasing segments or sleeves 55, one of these sleeves 55 being positioned between each adjacent pair of sprags 5 As illustrated in Figure 12, the sleeves 55 are provided along their lower portions with legs 56 engaging the under side of the head of the T- shaped ring 22, the sleeves 55 being provided with apertures through which the ring 22 extends, and the upper, radially upward facing surface of the ring 22 being in engagement with a complementary surface on the sleeve 55 whereby that sleeve is supported. As illustrated best in Figure 12, each sleeve 55 has substantial axial extent, and is provided with an axially extending slot 57 in which is mounuted one end of a circumferentially flexible energizing'spring 58, which also has a substantial axial dimension. The spring 58 is rigidly mounted within the sleeve 55 by suitable means, such as swaging. The opposite end of the spring 58 is received within a suitable, axially extending slot 59 in a spacing and phasing segment or sleeve 61 the sleeve 61 and the spring 58 being fixed together by suitable means. As shown in Figures 9 through 12, the spring 58 has sufficient compressive strength to maintain the-sleeve61 the outer race 3.

The blocks 61 are provided with circumferentially facing surfaces 62 and 63 which are spaced apart the same distance as the surfaces 24 and 25 on the sleeves 21 (previously described), the surfaces 62 and 63 being exactly the same in their relationship with each other and with the sprags as were the surfaces 24 and 25 on the sleeves 21 except that the surfaces 62 and 63 have a greater radial and axial dimension. The sleeves 55 are provided with surfaces 64 and 65 which are exactly the same as the surfaces 26 and 27 on the sleeves 23 in their positioning relative to each other and to the sprags, the surfaces 64 and 65 differing from the surfaces 26 and 27 on the sleeves 23 only in that the surfaces 64 and 65 have a greater radial and axial extent.

In Figure 9, the sprags are shown in their released position which they assume when the races rotate in a relative direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 9. In this position the springs 58 have been deflected from their normal, straight condition and bias the sprags 5 in a counterclockwise direction. It will further be obvious to those skilled in the art that upon rotation of the races in a relative direction opposite to that indicated by the arrows in Figure 9, the sprags, initially, move to the position illustrated in Figure 10 in which they carry some load, and will subsequently move to their full load position illustrated in Figure 11, in which the races 1 and 3 arewedgingly connected together by the sprags 5 for unitary rotation. When the races once again rotate in the relative direction illustrated by the arrows in Figure 9 the sprags 5 will move through the position illustrated in Fggure 10 to the released position illustrated in Figure In assembling the structure illustrated in Figures 9 through 12, the subassemblies'co-mprising the sleeves 55 'andi61 and the spring 58 are initially made. The sleeves 55 are then slid upon the ring 22--which is provided with a suitable opening subsequently closed when ring 22 is bent into its exactly annular form-the sleeves 55 being positioned with the desired circumferential spacing. The sprags 5 are then assembled into the structure so that each spray is between an adjacent pair of sleeves 61 and an adjacent pair of sleeves 55, the openings 15 in the spnags 5 receiving portions of the ring 22 as illustrated.

It is important to notice that in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 9 through 12, the energizing spring 58 performs the dual function of supporting the sleeves 61 and biasing the sprags 5 toward their wedging position between the races.

It will further be seen from the foregoing description that the device of the present invention comprises a oneway engaging device of the sprag type in which means are provided for effecting common angular movement of all of the spnags. These means comprise a plurality of discrete sleeves, an inner and an outer sleeve being positioned between each adjacent pair of sprags. These sleeves and the sprags are so contoured on their respective engaging surfaces that the sleeves and sprags are maintained in engagement throughout the working range :of the device, whereby all of the sprags tilt uniformly both in amount and in time. With particular reference to the embmodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 9 through 12, it should be noted that no garter spring need be employed inasmuch as the springs between the inner and outer sleeves between each adjacent pair of sprags also serve to energize the sprags and apply a bias to the sprags which tends to effect their movement toward wedging engagement between the races. It also should be noted that the present invention provides for effecting common angular movement of the sprags, so that each of the sprags assumes its load at the same time as each of the other sprags, andfurthermore so that each of the sprags bears approximately the same amount in a position adjacent 7 of load. as each of the other sprags, without -the use of cages enclosing the sprags.

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically disclosed, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a genorally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof cuWed about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable segment means between adjacent pairs of sprags, means in said sprags defining openings in said sprags, means adapted to position at least some of said segments extending through said sprag openings, said sprags and segments belng so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact said segment means at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

2. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a gen erally annular opening therebetween comprising a plu' rality of spaced and tiltable sprags Within said opening provided wtih race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon rela' tive rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the race are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable segment means between adjacent pairs of sprags, resilient means adapted and arranged to position at least some of said segments and further adapted to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact said segment means at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

3. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing 12. pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plucrality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon rela tive rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable segment means between adjacent pairs of sprags, resilient means adapted and arranged to position at least some of said segments and further adapted to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races, relative rigid means adapted and arranged to position other of said segments, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact said segment means at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

4. In a one-wayengaging device; the combination for use with a pair of. races together providinga pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltahle sprags Mutts o ening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer -se'gments between adjacent pairs of sprags, resilient means adapted and arranged to position at least some of said segments and further adapted to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact said radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substan tially the same amount.

5. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direc tion and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation,- relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between adjacent pairs of sprags, resilient means adapted and arranged to position at least some of said segments and further adapted to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races, relative rigid means adapted and arranged to position other of said segments, said sprags and segments being so constructed and an ranged that said sprags contact said radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clean ance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

6. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a gen erally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between adjacent pairs of sprags, means in said sprags adjacent said race engaging surfaces defining openings in said sprags, means adapted to position at least some of said segments extending through said sprag openings, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

7. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetweeu comprising atplurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon'relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between adjacent pair of sprags, means in said sprags adjacent said race-engaging surfaces defining openings in'said sprags, means adapted to position at least some of said segments extending through said sprag openings, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount, and means adapted to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races.

8. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between each adjacent pair of sprags, means in said sprags defining openings in said sprags, resilient means adapted and arranged to position at least some of said segments and further adapted and arranged to extend through said sprag openings to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

9. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between each adjacent pair of sprags, means in said sprags adjacent both of said race engaging surfaces defining openings in said sprags, means adapted to position at least some of said segments extending through at least some of said sprag openings, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

10. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engaging between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between adjacent pairs of sprags, means in said sprags adjacent both of said race engaging surfaces defining openings in said sprags, means adapted to position at least some of said segments extending through at least some of said sprag openings includings means adapted to bias said sprags toward wedging position. between said races, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

11. In a one-way engaging device; thecombination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality ofv spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engaging between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer seg ments between adjacent pairs of sprags, means in said sprags adjacent both of said race engaging surfaces defining openings in said sprags, resilient means mounting at least some of said segments extending through the openings in said sprags adjacent one of said race, engaging surfaces and adapted to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races, relatively rigid means mounting at least some of said segments extending through the openings in said sprags adjacent the other of said race engaging surfaces, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

12. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defininga generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engaging between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between adjacent pairs of sprags, said segments being substantially U-shaped in cross section and the inner and outer segments between the adjacent pairs of sprags disposed within said device with the bights of the U-shaped segments facing the respective race annular surfaces and the legs of the U-shaped segments disposed in sliding engagement, means in said sprags defining openings therein, means adapted to position at least some of said segments extending through at least some of said sprag openings, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer sements at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

13. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer seg- Elli rnents between each adjacent pair of sprags, means in said sprags adjacent both of said race engaging surfaces defining openings in said sprags, substantially rigid means integrally forming some of said segments extending through the opening in said sprags adjacent one of the race engaging surfaces, resilient means carrying other of said segments extending through the openings in said sprags adjacent the other of said race engaging surfaces and constructed and arranged to bias said sprags toward wedging engagement with the races, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

14. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a genereally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltahle sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between each adjacent pair of sprags, means in said sprags defining openings in said sprags, means extending through said sprag openings supporting both said inner and outer se ments, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

15. in a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedgingly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between each adjacent pair of sprags, means in said sprags defining openings in said sprags, means extending through said sprag openings carrying certain of said segments, resilient means carried by said certain segments adapted to carry other of said segments and constructed and arranged to bias said sprags toward Wedging position between said races, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags 312 are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

16. In a one-way engaging device; the combination for use with a pair of races together providing a pair of radially spaced, generally annular surfaces defining a generally annular opening therebetween comprising a plurality of spaced and tiltable sprags within said opening provided with race engaging surfaces at radially spaced ends thereof curved about spaced centers whereby said sprags permit relative rotation of the races in one direction and wedging'ly engage between the races upon relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction whereby the races are connected together for unitary rotation, relatively movable radially inner and radially outer segments between each adjacent pair of sprags, means in said sprags defining openings in said sprags adjacent one race engaging surface thereon, a relatively rigid ring extending through said sprag openings, means mounting certain of said segments to said ring, spring means connected at one end thereof to each of said certain segments, means connecting the opposite end of said spring means to other of said segments, said spring means being constructed and arranged to maintain said certain and said other segments spaced radially and to bias said sprags toward wedging position between said races, said sprags and segments being so constructed and arranged that said sprags contact the radially inner and radially outer segments at both sides thereof throughout the Working range of the device with only bearing clearance therebetween whereby said sprags are forced to tilt together substantially the same amount.

17. -In a one-way engaging device adapted for use with a pair of races, the combination comprising a plurality of tiltable [grippers constructed and arranged to permit rela: tive rotation of the races in one direction and to couple the races for unitary rotation upon attempted relative rotation thereof in the opposite direction, a plurality of discrete segment means respectively disposed in pairs comprising a radially inner and a separate radially outer segment @between adjacent grippers, teens on circumferentially facing portions of said grippers and segment means disposed in slidable engagement throughout the working range of the device with hearing clearances therebetween whereby common tilting movement of the grippets is effected.

18. The device defined in claim 17 in which said circumferentially facing portions of said segments and grippers and disposed above and below the radial midpoint of said grippers.

19. The device defined in claim 17 in which said c'ircumferentially facing portions of said grippers define surfaces adjacent the race engaging ends of said grippers which provide a relatively constant peripheral dimension throughout the normal tilting range of said grippers.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,364,280 Dodge cc. 5, 1944 2,614,670 Heintz Oct. 21, 1952 2,624,436 Gamble Jan. 6, 1953 2,748,912 Banker u June 5, 1956 

